01 October 2024

False Sense of Entitlement

False Sense of Entitlement: Awareness, Research and Resources

False Sense of Entitlement

"If we live our lives as a gift it is possible to reach a blissful state of eternal happiness. It is those who live their life with a sense of entitlement that undermine peace , freedom and liberty. Know that every breath is a miracle and every moment a blessing and you will achieve your dreams. Planning other people's actions means to prevent them from planning for themselves, means to deprive them of their essentially human quality, means enslaving them." ― Ludwig von Mises

False Sense of Entitlement Research

False Sense of Entitlement

"A false sense of entitlement occurs when someone believes they deserve special treatment, privileges, or rewards without having earned them or without considering the rights and needs of others. This attitude often manifests as an inflated sense of self-worth, leading to expectations that are unrealistic or disproportionate to one's actual contributions or circumstances.

Characteristics of a False Sense of Entitlement:
  • Expectation of Special Treatment: The person expects to receive better or different treatment than others, without justification.
  • Lack of Empathy: They may disregard the feelings, rights, or needs of others, focusing solely on their own desires.
  • Unwillingness to Take Responsibility: A person with this attitude may blame others for their problems and rarely admit fault or accept responsibility.
  • Entitlement Without Effort: They may expect rewards, recognition, or privileges without putting in the necessary work or effort.
  • Anger or Frustration When Expectations Aren't Met: If they don’t get what they believe they are owed, they may react with anger, frustration, or resentment.

Psychological Roots:
  • Narcissism: People with narcissistic traits often exhibit a false sense of entitlement, believing they are inherently superior and thus deserving of special privileges.
  • Insecurity and Compensation: Some individuals may develop this sense of entitlement to compensate for deep-seated insecurities or a lack of self-worth.
  • Upbringing and Environment: If someone is raised in an environment where they are overly pampered or shielded from consequences, they might develop unrealistic expectations about what life owes them.

Effects in Relationships and Society:
  • Strained Relationships: A person with a false sense of entitlement may create tension in relationships, expecting their partner or friends to meet all their needs without reciprocation.
  • Workplace Issues: In professional settings, this mindset can lead to conflicts, as entitled individuals may expect promotions, recognition, or leniency without merit.
  • Social Impact: Entitlement can erode social cohesion, as individuals focused solely on their own needs may disregard societal rules or norms meant to promote fairness and equality.

Addressing this issue often involves cultivating empathy, self-awareness, and a better understanding of realistic expectations and mutual respect in relationships and social interactions." (Source: ChatGPT 2024)

A Crippling Sense of Entitlement The Harvard Crimson

A Psychologist Explains The 3 ‘Relationship Entitlement’ Styles Forbes

A Sense of Entitlement: From Childhood to the Workplace University of Virginia

A Status-Seeking Account of Psychological Entitlement NIH

America Has A Entitlement Problem The Lumberjack

Creative, Rare, Entitled, and Dishonest: How Commonality of Creativity in One’s Group Decreases an Individual’s Entitlement and Dishonesty Academy of Management

Entitlement, Exploitativeness, and Reasoning about Everyday Transgressions: A Social Domain Analysis ScienceDirect


Entitled People Are More Likely to Be Disappointed by Life: Study Time Magazine

Entitled People- The Signs of Self Entitlement Syndrome and What to do About it Linkedin

False Sense of Entitlement and Absolute Lack of Humility can Hurt your Business LinkedIn

How To Challenge a False Sense of Entitlement in Kids Empowering Parents

Psychological Research Helps You Know If Your Child Has An Entitlement Problem Forbes

Sense of Entitlement – Meaning, Signs, and Ways to Overcome The Pleasant Mind

The Age of Entitlement: How Wealth breeds Narcissism The Guardian

The Psychology Behind A Sense Of Entitlement BetterHelp

Three Reasons Why People Who Feel Entitled End Up Miserable Psychology Today

To that False Sense of Entitlement LinkedIn 

Trait Entitlement: A cognitive-personality source of vulnerability to Psychological Distress APA PsycNet

What is an Entitlement Mentality? WebMD

What Creates a False Sense of Entitlement? Shortform

How to Spot a Sense of Entitlement in Someone You Know - Video

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources